Italian City Guide: Venice

Transport yourself to another world with a trip to the iconic city of Venice. A holiday to Venice offers you the delights of historical buildings, majestic waterways and romantic ambience. If you are thinking of visiting the beautiful city, below we have created an ultimate guide to Venice to help you along the way.

What is there to do in Venice?

Basilica di San Marco & Piazza San Marco

Head to Piazza San Marco, which is surrounded by elegant architecture. Here you will find the Basilica di San Marco, Venice's iconic cathedral. For truly breathtaking sights, buy a ticket to the top to admire the square from above; the views are especially magical at sunset!

Ride a gondola or vaporetto

The vaporetto is a quick and easy way to get from place to place by boat, and there are many points along the canal where you can hop off to see the sights. Alternatively, you can pay to ride on the iconic gondola, and have an authentic tour through the canals while the gondolier teaches you about the rich history of the incredible city.

Visit Burano & Murano

The islands of Burano and Murano are well worth a visit during your time in Venice. Wander the picture-perfect colourful streets of Burano, an island known for its intricately designed lace, whereas in Murano you can marvel at the master glassblowers at work.

Libreria Acqua Alta

This bookshop in the heart of Venice features repurposed gondolas, resident cats waiting for affection, and rooms stacked wall-to-wall with books, magazines and more, is a truly unique experience.

What is there to eat in Venice?

Cicchetti is probably the most popular food in Venice, where taking time to enjoy some small aperitivo snacks at a wine bar before dinner is a popular event. Like many other cities in Italy, an aperitivo often consists of an Aperol spritz or prosecco too!

For main meals, located next to the sea, Venice is known for its seafood such as sarde in soar (sweet and sour sardines) and possibly one of the most Venetian dishes around, risotto al nero di seppia. This is a unique dish where squid ink is used to give a jet black colour to the rice, and is combined with wine, onions and tomatoes.

Where should I stay in Venice?

Starhotels Splendid Venice

Located in the heart of the historical centre and overlooking romantic bridges and old Venetian Palaces, the Starhotels Splendid Venice offers guests a unique stay. Enjoy an aperitivo on the rooftop terrace while you admire the stunning views of the Basilica di San Marco. With its own private dock on the canal, the hotel can be reached by gondola or water taxi.

Explore this hotel

Hotel Londra Palace

Londra Palace has been welcoming artists, poets and travellers to Venice since 1853. Its spectacular location overlooking the lagoon, with the main square just a few minutes' walk away, makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's main attractions. Spend your evenings relaxing in the award-winning bar, or enjoy spectacular dishes at the excellent restaurant.